Lost and Found

Paris is full of little surprises, some of which you step in and curse, some of which you see and smile. Call me a history nerd, but stumbling upon the last vestiges of the late-12th/early-13th century wall that encircled Paris is one of those things that makes me smile.

These are all parts of the enceinte (fortified wall) built by Philippe-Auguste to defend Paris while he was away during the Crusades. That they exist when most of the succeeding city walls have been completely destroyed, buried, or hidden strikes me as unlikely and slightly magical.

I'd tell you where they are, but that would ruin all the fun.

*****UPDATE*****

Since Mo already gave away the secret, here's more of it revealed: a Swedish blogger living in Paris is making it his mission to find all remnants of Philippe-Auguste's enceinte, and is posting pictures and annotated maps on his blog. Fascinating stuff!